UEFA have promised a decision on Russia's ambitious bid to host Euro 2028 "very soon" amid a backlash against the country following their illegal invasion of Ukraine.
Russian president Vladimir Putin opened hostilities against his country's neighbour just over a month ago. Widespread condemnation met the invasion from across the world, with many nations taking the decision to sanction those close to Putin.
Football clubs from Russia were also thrown out of European competitions the Europa League and Europa Conference League. Their national team had reached the play-off stage of World Cup qualifying, but with many countries refusing to play them, they were thrown out.
That has not stopped Russia's football federation from attempting to push on as if it was business as usual. They have even submitted a bid to host UEFA's European Championships in 2028 or 2032.
Aside from Russia, Turkey and the British Isles have also submitted bids for the 2028 tournament. UEFA have previously confirmed Russia has not been disqualified from hosting duties, despite the sanctions against it.
Russia's bid was submitted in the final week of March, with the final host not being confirmed for at least another year. Russian Football Union board member Sergei Anokhin has insisted his country is ready to host a large-scale tournament, having previously welcomed the World Cup in 2018.
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"We are going to file a bid for hosting of the 2028 and 2032 European Championships. We assume that Russia is already prepared to to host large-scale competitions. We have the experience. We reserve the right to enter a bid. This option doesn't cost anything. And you can't refuse it, if it isn't expensive," he told Match TV last month.
Despite Anokhin's comments, UEFA have hinted they are ready to block the Russian bid. They would be able to throw out their declaration of interest if it could be deemed to bring European football into disrepute, according to Article 16, governing ethics, of the bid regulation rules.
In a press conference on Thursday, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin gave nothing away, but promised a decision in the near-future. He said: "There are considerations about many things. Day by day, hour by hour, the situation is changing.
"I would not be a serious UEFA president if I would first speak to the media before the executive committee or general assembly. I have no comment on any bids, UK bid or any other. But we are discussing let’s say about it and you will have the answer very soon."
Russia's women's team are scheduled to take part in the Women's Euros to be held in England this summer. But several countries have already lined up to insist they will refuse to play any games against them.
The RFU are currently fighting a case in the Court of Arbitration for Sport in attempt to overturn the ban on their national teams taking part in matches. And Cerefin also expects a decision to be announced soon in that case, admitting his organisation was running out of time.
“There's a case at the Court of Arbitration for Sport on this case of Russia football community, clubs and national team. We expect some information from there as soon as possible but we know we are in a hurry to decide about this issue. We know the Euros are very soon and we will have to take the decision soon but we need some more information," Cerefin said.
